Company history

Many German companies are inseparably associated with the names and achievements of their founders. And with some of these, the name is more than a lingering element in the company name – it is imbued with brand qualities and offers customer assurance. Wincor Nixdorf, for example.

The best of both worlds

The company’s origins stretch back to the computer pioneer Heinz Nixdorf, and part of Wincor Nixdorf’s fine reputation is equally down to its many years as a member of the Siemens Group.

Computer pioneer Heinz Nixdorf laid the foundations

When Heinz Nixdorf laid the foundations for “Nixdorf Computer AG” in 1952, he was ahead of his time. Not just because he could see the potential of computers – he also knew how to implement all this knowledge within practical applications which provided real benefits. For him, creativity and innovation were his native language, to be lived out every day. In the time leading up to the mid-1980’s he grew his company into the fourth-largest computer group in Europe, playing a pioneering role in many areas.

Integration with the Siemens organization

In 1990 – four years after Nixdorf’s death – Nixdorf Computer AG was taken over by Siemens AG, and the company “Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme AG” was born. The “Retail Solutions” and “Banking Solutions” divisions were integrated into the Siemens organization, forming the basis for growth. Not least with the name of a globally renowned, successful corporation behind it, the business succeeded in winning a great number of customers and projects.

Expansion following restructuring and rationalization

Following reorganizations and rationalization within Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme AG, which produced positive operating results in 1992 to 1994, the first great wave of expansion followed in 1995. Product and service propositions were extended, and internationalization driven further forward. And it worked: in 1996-97 the company experienced massive growth, and business streams such as central retail solutions (Enterprise Solutions) and product solutions for lottery companies came into being.

Profile honed further in Retail and Banking

1998 saw the formation of the self-contained company “Siemens Nixdorf Retail and Banking Systems GmbH” which now set about sharpening its profile in the banking and retail sectors as a wholly-owned Siemens subsidiary. Increasing emphasis was placed on the development of software solutions for the company’s two chosen vertical markets, as well as the production of associated systems and equipment.

Represented as Wincor Nixdorf in about 100 countries

With the carve-out from the Siemens Group and the acquisition by venture capitalists Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, Wincor Nixdorf has presented itself since October 1, 1999 as an independent company with global reach. Today, the company has its own subsidiaries in 41 countries and is represented by partners in more than 60 countries.

IT services added to the company’s offering

IT services have since been added, complementing the proposition to banks and retailers and now enabling Wincor Nixdorf to position itself to its customers as a full-service provider offering not just systems and equipment (hardware) but also software, consultancy and the entire spectrum of associated services – from installation of equipment and maintenance services through to taking full responsibility for the operation of entire ATM networks on behalf of banks.

Successful IPO

Following conversion of the parent company, Wincor Nixdorf Holding GmbH, into a joint stock corporation, the company has floated itself on the stock exchange. Since May 19, 2004 the company's stock has been traded in the Prime Standard on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.